Gators still trying to flip Williams from Miami

Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 7:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 12:08 a.m.

Football recruiting is fickle. Players can change commitments as often as they change cleats.

Standout 2015 running back Dexter Williams is pledged to Miami, at least for now. But the four-star recruit from Orlando West Orange High hasn't completely closed the door on changing his mind and playing closer to home at Florida.

“They are still on me hard,” Williams said. “I mean, Florida is still in the picture but right now, I'm just really thinking about Miami.”

Williams attended UF's Friday Night Lights showcase last week at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He didn't take part in workouts because he's still nursing a high ankle sprain, but was impressed with the atmosphere and UF's facilities.

“It was a great experience,” Williams said. “(I) got to see top athletes do their thing, got to see a great recruiting scene … Just to be on the field was a great experience because the stadium was so beautiful.”

The 6-foot, 192-pounder runs the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds and is ranked 84th in the nation by ESPN. Florida is selling Williams on being a factor in new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper's no-huddle, spread offense.

“They are saying it's going to be a great offense and that I fit the offense well and that they can get me into space, use me,” Williams said. “I can catch the ball and also run the ball.”

He's also feeling pressure to reconsider his commitment from his dad, a lifelong Gator fan.

Florida coach Will Muschamp and running backs coach Brian White have continued to recruit Williams hard despite his Miami commitment.

“They've actually come on stronger,” Williams said. “Every day I hear from either coach Muschamp or coach White, and it's just like the same thing, 'Listen to your dad, come be a Gator, come be a great Gator.' ”

Williams said he chose Miami based on the recent tradition the Hurricanes have established developing running backs.

“Miami, they are known for their great running backs,” Williams said. “Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Edgerrin James. I just want to be part of that tradition and carry it on.”

Williams said he isn't concerned that he's currently one of four running backs in Miami's 2015 class.

“Wherever you go, it's competition,” Williams said. “You always got to beat out your competitors. That's why I play football because I love to compete.”

If there's some skepticism that Williams will hold his commitment to Miami, he understands. He's also being recruited hard by Ohio State, South Carolina and will likely take all of his five allotted official visits.

“It's just a process,” Williams said. “I'm just really waiting on the season to actually close out my decision. I just want to get a chance to see the games, see how the season goes.”

What will it take for Williams to change his mind?

“Just really the love because I want to go somewhere where I feel comfortable, and somewhere where I can see playing time, see the field,” Williams said. “And somewhere where I know I can just show my talents off.”

<p>Football recruiting is fickle. Players can change commitments as often as they change cleats.</p><p>Standout 2015 running back Dexter Williams is pledged to Miami, at least for now. But the four-star recruit from Orlando West Orange High hasn't completely closed the door on changing his mind and playing closer to home at Florida.</p><p>“They are still on me hard,” Williams said. “I mean, Florida is still in the picture but right now, I'm just really thinking about Miami.”</p><p>Williams attended UF's Friday Night Lights showcase last week at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He didn't take part in workouts because he's still nursing a high ankle sprain, but was impressed with the atmosphere and UF's facilities. </p><p> “It was a great experience,” Williams said. “(I) got to see top athletes do their thing, got to see a great recruiting scene … Just to be on the field was a great experience because the stadium was so beautiful.”</p><p>The 6-foot, 192-pounder runs the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds and is ranked 84th in the nation by ESPN. Florida is selling Williams on being a factor in new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper's no-huddle, spread offense.</p><p>“They are saying it's going to be a great offense and that I fit the offense well and that they can get me into space, use me,” Williams said. “I can catch the ball and also run the ball.”</p><p>He's also feeling pressure to reconsider his commitment from his dad, a lifelong Gator fan.</p><p>Florida coach Will Muschamp and running backs coach Brian White have continued to recruit Williams hard despite his Miami commitment.</p><p>“They've actually come on stronger,” Williams said. “Every day I hear from either coach Muschamp or coach White, and it's just like the same thing, 'Listen to your dad, come be a Gator, come be a great Gator.' ”</p><p>Williams said he chose Miami based on the recent tradition the Hurricanes have established developing running backs.</p><p>“Miami, they are known for their great running backs,” Williams said. “Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Edgerrin James. I just want to be part of that tradition and carry it on.”</p><p>Williams said he isn't concerned that he's currently one of four running backs in Miami's 2015 class.</p><p>“Wherever you go, it's competition,” Williams said. “You always got to beat out your competitors. That's why I play football because I love to compete.”</p><p>If there's some skepticism that Williams will hold his commitment to Miami, he understands. He's also being recruited hard by Ohio State, South Carolina and will likely take all of his five allotted official visits.</p><p>“It's just a process,” Williams said. “I'm just really waiting on the season to actually close out my decision. I just want to get a chance to see the games, see how the season goes.”</p><p>What will it take for Williams to change his mind?</p><p>“Just really the love because I want to go somewhere where I feel comfortable, and somewhere where I can see playing time, see the field,” Williams said. “And somewhere where I know I can just show my talents off.”</p>